Nepal police: Slovak saved from 'Buddha' followers

Police in Nepal say they have rescued a Slovak woman being held by followers of a man some say is the reincarnation of Buddha.

Police official K.P. Sharma said the 35-year-old woman was held in a forest of southern Nepal where Ram Bahadur Bamjan has been meditating for seven years. The woman, identified only as Marichi, had been visiting Bamjan for the past year but was reported to be held captive for the past two months.

Police reached the site where the woman was held and brought her back Sunday.

Sharma said the woman has a broken arm and appears to be scared. The official said she was being kept in the police station for her protection.

Several Buddhist scholars are skeptical of claims that Bamjan is the reincarnated Buddha.